Honor’s Reward
Dear Team Christi,
In February, we filmed Healed Heart with our very first guest, my father-in-faith, Kenneth Copeland. He taught from his powerful book, Honor. I’m excited to announce the first program airs on the VICTORY Channel this week! You can also watch it at christi.org or our YouTube Channel.
Years ago, Mylon shared with me that he moved from Georgia to Texas to learn how to live by faith. As he was praying about the timing, he heard Brother Copeland teach on the subject of honor and that’s what sealed the deal for him. Mylon told me he’d been looking his whole life for honor and Brother Copeland was the first minister he’d ever heard teach on that issue. When the Lord reminded me of that story, I knew I wanted you to hear first hand about this life changing subject. But you may be thinking,
What does honor have to do with a healed heart?
Jesus said in Matthew 15:8 NKJV, “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.” Honor is not lip service—Honor is a heart choice. In First Samuel 2:30 God said, “I will honor those who honor Me.” This is sobering: Our honor for God and His Word will determine what we receive from Him. When you choose to honor God’s Word by your faithful obedience to His instructions, God’s promise is, HE WILL HONOR YOU. What a reward— this means supernatural favor, promotion and increase! God’s honor bestowed on you accomplishes what no amount of hard work can do.
Jesus warns in the following verse (Matthew 15:9) that if there’s dishonor in our heart, “in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” The Amplified Classic Translation says, “Uselessly do they worship Me.” The Passion Translation explains, “They pretend to worship Me.” Ouch! We may clap, lift our hands, dance, run and shout but our worship does not please the Lord without HEART HONOR.
The majority of those in our modern day culture only seek the honor of man. We have an entire generation seeking approval through social media likes, followers and 15 minutes of “viral” fame. But Jesus said in John 5:44 NKJV, “How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?” Did you get that? Our faith is dependent on HONOR.
God’s Word is His Honor code.
The Bible mentions specific people and institutions we’re instructed to respect. Unfortunately, showing respect is rare because these principles of integrity have not been taught and therefore, aren’t valued. We see the results of dishonor everywhere: rebellion and rioting against all forms of authority: government, military, education and parental. But God’s commandment to honor is all through the Word. Let’s see how we’re to operate as Romans 13:7 NKJV says, “Render therefore to ALL their due…honor to whom honor.”
Parents: “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12 NKJV
Marriage: “In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives.” 1 Peter 3:7 NLT “Let the wife see to it that she respects and reverences her husband.” Ephesians 5:33 AMPC
Strangers/Church Family/President: “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” 1 Peter 2:17 NKJV
Spiritual Authority: “Let the elders who perform the duties of their office well be considered doubly worthy of honor…especially those who labor faithfully in preaching and teaching.” 1 Timothy 5:17 AMPC
Employers: “Instruct every employee to respect and honor their employers, for this attitude presents to them a clear testimony of God’s truth and renown.” I Timothy 6:1 TPT
As you can see, HONOR is a big deal to God. If you’ve decided to come up higher in honor, will you say this after me: “I choose to honor God and His Word. Not lip service but with my whole heart. I seek the honor that comes from God not man. For He alone is my Rewarder.”
Be encouraged as you give this month, you’re honoring the Lord with your finances as Proverbs 3:9 commands us. When you honor God and His Word, get ready for a super abundant reward! We also have an exciting NEW WINESKINS Project Update: a big thank you to all who’ve given. We now have 79% paid for at $19,822. We only have $5,178.00 to go! Praise God, I believe the remainder comes quickly because we’re going UP!
To all the Dads- we honor you and wish you a very Happy Father’s Day.
Delighted to be on the journey with you,
Christi
P.S. Don’t forget to watch this week’s episode of Healed Heart with Kenneth Copeland discussing honor. Because of your faithful giving in prayer and finances, we’re getting this “heart honor” truth to those who desperately need to experience the honor of God. Please let us know how we can agree with you in prayer at 1-866-HEART or team@christi.org.